Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

It's Always Something


GR synopsis:
As a cast member on the original Saturday Night Live, Gilda Radner created a compelling character named “Roseann Rosannadanna” who habitually ended her routine with the line, “It’s always something,” which was her father’s favorite expression about life. Radner chose the catch- phrase she made famous as the title to her brave, funny, and painfully honest memoir: the story of her struggle against cancer and her determination to continue laughing.

Gilda’s Club, a network of affiliate clubhouses that seeks to provide a social and emotional support community to people living with cancer, was founded in Radner’s memory in 1991. The name of the organization comes from a remark Gilda once made, that cancer gave her “membership to an elite club I’d rather not belong to.” In partnership with Gilda’s Club, It’s Always Something includes valuable information for all whose lives have been touched by cancer and reminds us of the important place laughter has in healing.

Told as only Gilda Radner could tell it, It’s Always Something is the inspiring story of a courageous, funny woman fighting to enjoy life no matter what the circumstances. She died in 1989. Gilda’s Club is distinguished by its unique philosophy and pro- gram, “cancer support for the whole family, the whole time.” Learn more about Gilda’s Club at GildasClub.org.

I am reading this for my 2016 Popsugar Challenge, a book written by a celebrity. I really don't know who Gilda Radner is. I know her as the deceased wife of Gene Wilder. I was barely in Pampers by the time she passed away. My mother says she loved her on SNL, and said she was one of the best at the time. From what I understand, she has a pretty great personal story, both with and without her fight against cancer. She seems like she was a pretty cool lady, and I'm eager to read her book.

This book was wonderful, in a sad kind of way. It's amazing how bright and optimistic Gilda's attitude was during her fight, even on her very bad days, and even with the worst of moods. She admits to having awful days where she struggled with depression because of the cancer and all the side effects of all the treatments, but overall, she was always so optimistic. So was her husband, Gene. These two people seem like such wonderful people, and not just for publicizes sake.

This book was really inspiring on so many levels for me. I would highly recommend this book, even if you're like me, and don't (didn't) really know who Gilda Radner was.

5/5